Craig Counsell’s Bold Call: Matt Shaw as Cubs’ Third Base Future? Or Time for a Big-Name Splash?.vc
Chicago, October 29, 2025 – The Chicago Cubs’ 2025 season was a 92-win rollercoaster: A Wild Card sweep over San Diego, an NLDS heartbreak to Milwaukee, and a third-place NL Central finish that left fans hungry for more. At the epicenter? Third baseman Matt Shaw, the 23-year-old phenom whose .285/.380/.520 slash, 22 homers, and Gold Glove-caliber glove ( +12 DRS) made him a Cubs cornerstone. But manager Craig Counsell’s recent bombshell—“Matt’s our guy at third for years to come”—has ignited firestorm debate: Is Shaw the long-term answer to anchor Wrigley’s infield, or should Jed Hoyer chase a marquee free agent like Alex Bregman or Matt Chapman? As the Cubs eye 2026 contention, Shaw’s rise from prospect to star isn’t just a story—it’s a crossroads.
Shaw’s 2025 Surge: From Prospect to Powerhouse
Drafted 13th overall in 2022 from Maryland, Shaw arrived with pedigree: A .285 college average and 2021 Big Ten Player of the Year arm. His 2025 was meteoric: .285 average, .380 OBP, .520 SLG, 22 HRs, 78 RBIs, and 3.1 WAR in 148 games, ranking top-5 among third basemen under 25. His 112 wRC+ and 15% barrel rate powered a lineup that ranked 18th in runs (4.27 per game), while his +12 DRS and 85th-percentile arm earned a Gold Glove nomination. “Matt’s not a kid anymore—he’s a weapon,” Counsell said in a Marquee Network sit-down, praising his “bat-to-ball skills and leadership in the dirt.”
Shaw’s arc? From 2024’s .265/.345/.440 Triple-A tune-up (20 HRs with Iowa) to 2025’s full-time Wrigley wizardry, he silenced doubters. A walk-off homer vs. the Brewers on July 4 and a 4-for-5, 2-HR explosion in the Wild Card clincher vs. San Diego sealed his star turn. On X, #ShawToTheMoon trended: “Gold Glove arm, 22 bombs—Matt’s our third base for a decade!” one fan post hit 12K likes.
Counsell’s Bold Bet: Shaw as the Anchor
Counsell’s statement wasn’t casual: “Matt Shaw is our third baseman for the next 8–10 years. We don’t need to shop.” It came after a September slump where Shaw hit .240 in 20 games, sparking trade whispers for Bregman (free agent, 3.1 WAR) or Chapman (opt-out, 3.5 WAR). Counsell doubled down: “He’s 23, hits .285 with power, fields like a vacuum. Big names? We’ve got one in-house.”
Shaw’s response? Humble fire. “I’m honored—Craig’s belief means everything,” he told reporters. “I’m not chasing names—I’m chasing rings.” His leadership shone: Mentoring rookie Drew Pomeranz and leading infield drills during Acuña’s injury. Yet, the debate rages: Shaw’s .380 OBP is elite, but his 18% K-rate and .520 SLG lag Bregman’s .290/.372/.512 veteran polish.
The Counter: Why Chase a Big Name?
Not everyone buys the Shaw-is-enough line. Bregman’s 2025 .290 average, 25 HRs, and 3.1 WAR scream proven pop; Chapman’s 3.5 WAR and +15 DRS offer defensive wizardry. With Swanson’s .244 slump and Hoerner’s trade value, Hoyer could flip assets for a Bregman ($25M AAV) or Chapman ($20M) to turbocharge the infield. “Shaw’s promising, but Bregman’s playoffs-proven,” ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted, sparking 8K replies.
Shaw’s youth (23) is a plus—contract control through 2030—but his 112 wRC+ trails Chapman’s 118. A big name accelerates 2026 contention; Shaw builds it sustainably.
| Player | 2025 AVG/OBP/SLG | HR | WAR | Cost Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Shaw | .285/.380/.520 | 22 | 3.1 | Arb $2M (2026) |
| Alex Bregman | .290/.372/.512 | 25 | 3.1 | $25M AAV FA |
| Matt Chapman | .275/.345/.505 | 27 | 3.5 | $20M AAV opt-out |
The Verdict: Shaw’s the Future, But…
Counsell’s bold call leans Shaw as the long-term third base anchor—affordable, homegrown, and rising. But Hoyer’s offseason calculus demands balance: Pair Shaw with a veteran like Chapman for 2026 playoffs, or trust the kid to lead a youth movement. Fans on X split: “Shaw’s our guy—#ShawToTheMoon!” vs. “Bregman now, rings tomorrow!” Cubs Nation, the debate rages—Shaw’s arm is steady, but is it championship-caliber yet?
